You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

"Woody Allen’s ‘latest’ is from 2010, finally making its way Kiwi-side three years after its Cannes debut. Set in London, Woody’s lens follows two generations of related married couples as they negotiate desire, deceit, jealousy and ambition. Neither ribald comedy nor dark tragedy, Allen employs a deft lightness of touch to deal with big issues of fidelity, faith, fraudulence and fate."

"Fitfully amusing and nearly saved by its distinguished cast."

"This mordant yarn boasts a fine cast and waspish wit. But overall it’s a cold and inconsequential piece that won’t be remembered with affection."

"It isn't the first time death has figured in an Allen movie, but the way he grapples with it here (leaving each character at a moment of irresolution comparable to staring down the man with the scythe) is much more potent and direct."

"Much of the writing is good, and the acting is superb, but the constant wrangling wore me out at times."

"For the most part, everyone struggles through, with at best mixed success. The audience included."

"It's interesting and worthwhile, with creative vitamins that are absent in so much of what fills the cinemas."

"The movie is forgiving. But the search for happiness is doomed by definition: You must be happy with what you have, not with what you desire, because the cost of the quest is too high."

"Frothy but uninvolving. Again."

"The movie ends just when complications start to set in, which makes you wonder how invested Allen really is in the little melodramas within this comedy."

"Still no signs of the master re-living past glories, but more than worthwhile for Allen diehards."

"Bottom line: It's a good one, fresh, funny and vintage Woody."